It was the first of a two-day discussion at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History in Detroit on improving the country's schools.

Susan Broman, deputy superintendent for the Michigan Department of Education, received applause when she said students who attend preschool are less like to be incarcerated. The state needs to find money for 29,000 preschoolers to attend classes. "Pay now or pay later," she said.

Chelsea Clinton, an NBC special correspondent, brought a calm, soothing approach as she moderated a panel discussion on the typically controversial issue of the turnaround in Detroit -- the state takeover and the 15 schools assigned to the state reform district.

Carol Goss, president of the the Skillman Foundation, called the national spotlight on education in Detroit encouraging.

"We have changed the dialogue," Goss said. "Innovation is accepted here. Nationally people are looking at Detroit."

On the jobs panel discussion, Detroit Regional Chamber President Sandy Baruah illustrated what's at stake, quoting a 2010 Georgetown University study that showed job opportunities shrinking for high school graduates. By 2018, the economy will create 46.8 million openings -- 63% will require workers with at least some college education, the study said. "The data is quite compelling," he said.

Veneice Daniels, an instructional coach at Emerson Elementary in Detroit, said the speakers talked about the need for highly qualified teachers and "kids first," but she found the discussions broad and general.

She is hoping to hear more in-depth analysis when she attends today's student town hall meeting and teacher town hall meeting.

Darryle Buchanan, school board president of Southfield Public Schools, said the gathering of stakeholders and thought leaders can inform and inspire, but the conversation must continue.

"There's still more to be said, especially on poverty and special education," he said. "Overall, it's a good conversation."